SERIES 1 UN Network Tales be told In Zimbabwe, a tradition of collaboration is streamlined with support from UNN With contributions to the UN Network Secretariat from: To learn more about how the UN Network is supporting country-level action 1 visit https://www.unnetworkforsun.org/ or write to
[email protected] A COMPILATION OF COUNTRY STORIES, PROMOTING COLLECTIVE ACTION ON NUTRITION period of extended instability, marked by fuel shortages, irregular electricity supply, hyperinflation, limited access to comprehensive health services and natural disasters, among other issues, continues to challenge the nutrition communityA in Zimbabwe. In the face of such hurdles, progress is being made to reduce stunting, micronutrient deficiencies, obesity and to increase a nutrient- rich diet. This success is due, in part, to a tradition of collaboration. In 2010, a UN flagship programme brought together four agencies: FAO, UNICEF, WFP and WHO. Zimbabwe was early to join the SUN Movement in 2011, which further encouraged this approach. The country’s UNN was formalized in 2014, the starting point for more structured cooperation. Ms. Kudzai Mukudoka, UNICEF Nutrition Officer, reflected, “Before, [our collaboration] was more improvisational. With UNN, the duplication of our efforts has been reduced.” Layered interventions Successful pilot in Mutasa District tunting is Zimbabwe’s primary concern, according to nutrition experts from various sectors. The low height-for-age (HfA) ratio can lead to poor performance at school or increase the risk of disease, as well as Sshorten lifespan. In 2014, UN agencies including FAO, UNICEF, WFP and WHO decided to tackle stunting rates in the rural Mutasa district, near the border with Mozambique.